POLICY DOCUMENT Residential Property Owners
Index Welcome to Residential Property Owners 2 Definitions 4 Section 1 - Buildings 5 Section 2 - Contents 8 Section 3 - Legal Liability to the Public 11 General Conditions 12 General Exclusions 13 Claims Conditions 14 Endorsements 15 Complaints Procedure 19 1
Welcome to Residential Property Owners Introduction to the Property Insurance Policy This document sets our the conditions of the contract of insurance with us. Your policy is evidence of that contract. You should read it carefully and keep it in a safe place. In return for having accepted your premium we will in the event of injury, loss or damage happening within the period of insurance provide insurance as described in the following pages and referred to in your schedule. If after reading these documents you have any questions please contact your broker. How We Use Personal Information We hold personal information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The information supplied to us by you may be used to: Provide you with a quotation, deal with the associated administration of your policy and to handle claims; Search credit references, credit scoring and fraud agencies who may keep a record of the search; Share with those companies who are underwriting your policy, other insurance organisations to administer your policy, to help offset risk, for statistical analysis, to handle claims and prevent fraud; Support the development of our business by including your details in customer surveys, for market research and business reviews which may be carried out by third parties acting on our behalf. We may need to collect and process data relating to individuals who may benefit from the policy ( Insured Persons ), which under the Data Protection Act is defined as sensitive (such as medical history of Insured Persons) for the purpose of evaluating the risk and/or administering claims which may occur. You must ensure that you have explicit verbal or written consent from the Insured Person to such information being processed by us and that this fact is made known to the Insured Person. Personal details may be transferred to countries outside the EEA. They will at all times be held securely and handled with the utmost care in accordance with all principles of English law. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 individuals are entitled to request a copy of all the personal information we hold about them. Please contact us at Towergate Underwriting Let Property, The Octagon, Middleborough, Colchester, Essex. CO1 1TG. We can only discuss the details given with you. If you would like anyone else to act on your behalf please let us know. Your details will not be kept longer than is necessary. Telephone calls may be recorded for our mutual protection, training and monitoring purposes. By applying for and/or entering into this insurance policy you will be deemed to consent to the use of your data and your insurance policy data in this way and for these purposes. About the Property Insurance This property insurance has been arranged by Towergate Underwriting Let Property, a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Ltd, and is underwritten by a consortium of specialist insurers. The Lead 2
Insurers are Allianz Insurance plc (55%) No 84638. Registered in England at 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1DB.and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc (45%) No. 93792. Registered in England & Wales at St Mark s Court, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XL. Towergate Underwriting Group Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Allianz Insurance plc and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc, are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. This can be checked on the FCA s register by visiting the FCA s website at www.fca.gov.uk/ register/home.do or by contacting them on 0800 111 6768. You should read the terms and conditions detailed in this policy including how to make a claim. Please read them carefully so that you know what cover is provided and what you should do if you need to make a claim. The insurer shall not be bound to accept renewal of any insurance and may at an time cancel any insurance document in accordance with the section Cancelling Your Cover. This policy and the schedule are important documents. Please keep them in a safe place where you can find them should you need to refer to them in the future. Should you need to discuss any aspect of the cover then please call the agent with whom you effected this insurance. In arranging your insurance we will have asked a number of questions which you were required to answer. You must take reasonable care to ensure that you have answered all these questions honestly, to the best of your knowledge, and have provided full answers and all relevant details. If questions are not answered honestly and to the best of your knowledge then your policy may be cancelled or your claim rejected or not fully paid. You may also have difficulty in obtaining insurance in the future or experience extra cost in doing so. The sum insured is the amount of money for which your property and/or contents is covered and is the most we will pay under any circumstances. It is your responsibility to advise us of the correct sum insured as we cannot be held liable if this is incorrect. You and we are free to choose the laws applicable to this policy. As we are based in England, we propose to apply the laws of England and Wales and by purchasing this policy you have agreed to this. This insurance relates only to those sections of the policy which are shown on the schedule as being included Adrian Brown Chief Executive Officer, Towergate Underwriting Let Property On behalf of the Insurer(s). 3
Definitions Where We explain what a word means that word will have the same meaning wherever it is used in the policy or schedule. Accidental Damage - A sudden, unexpected, unusual, specific, violent, external event which occurs at a single identifiable time and place and independent of all other causes. Buildings - the Private Dwelling(s) as specified in the schedule constructed of brick, stone or concrete with a slate, tile or concrete roof including interior decorations and fixtures and fittings and domestic outbuildings, garages, domestic fixed fuel oil tanks, swimming pools, tennis courts, drives, patios and terraces, walls, gates and fences all owned by You or for which You are legally responsible and within the premises as specified in the schedule. Excess - The first amount of each claim which You have to pay. The Excess applies separately to each individual Property detailed in Your schedule. Holiday Home - Buildings that are not the main place of residence or address of You or the occupier and are let, loaned or used by You on a short-term basis for vacation purposes. Landlord s Contents - Household goods within the Buildings as shown in the schedule, including aerials, satellite dishes, their fittings and masts, which are permanently fixed to the Buildings. Property in the open but within the boundaries of the property up to 250 all of which are owned by You or are Your legal liability. Unoccupied - The part or whole of the property not lived in by a person authorised by You. We / Us / Our - Allianz Insurance plc (Lead Insurer) and Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc, as insurers and Towergate Underwriting Let Property as administrators of Our Policy. You / Your / Yours - The persons(s) as specified in the Schedule of Insurance. 4
Section 1 Buildings Perils Covered This insurance covers the Buildings for loss or damage directly caused by: 1. fire, lightning, explosion or earthquake 2. aircraft and other flying devices or items dropped therefrom 3. storm, tempest or flood a) for loss or damaged caused by subsidence, heave or landslip other than as covered under Peril 9. b) for loss or damage to domestic, fixed fuel-oil tanks in the open, swimming pools, tennis courts, drives, patios and terraces, gates and fences. c) caused by rising water table levels. 4. escape of water from any fixed water or heating installation a) for loss or damage cause by subsidence, heave or landslip other than as covered under Peril 9. b) for loss or damage to domestic fixed fuel-oil tanks and swimming pools. c) for loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more. d) for loss or damage to apparatus from which water has escaped other than frost damage. e) the first 250 of every claim. 5. escape of oil from fixed domestic oil-fired heating installed and smoke damage resulting from a defect in any fixed domestic heating installation a) for loss or damage due to wear and tear or gradual deterioration. b) for loss or damage caused by gradual emission. c) for loss or damage caused by faulty workmanship. d) for loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more 6. theft or attempted theft a) for loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more unless such loss or damage is consequent upon violent and forcible entry. b) by any tenant or person lawfully on the premises. 7. impact by any vehicle or animal 8. any persons taking part in a riot, violent disorder, strike, labour disturbance, civil commotion or any persons of malicious intent a) for loss or damage whilst the Building is Unoccupied for 30 days or more. b) any tenant or person lawfully on the premises. 5
9. Subsidence, landslip or heave of the site upon which the Buildings stand a) for loss or damage to domestic fixed fuel-oil tanks, swimming pools, tennis courts, drives, patios and terraces, walls, gates and fences unless the main Building is also affected at the same time by the same peril. b) for loss or damage for which compensation has been provided, or would have been but for the existence of this insurance under any contract or legislation or guarantee. c) for loss or damage whilst the Buildings are undergoing any structural repairs, alterations or extensions. d) for loss or damage caused by coastal erosion. e) for loss or damage arising from faulty workmanship, defective plans or the use of defective materials. f) for loss or damage to solid floors unless the walls are damaged at the same time by the same event. g) normal settlement, shrinkage or expansion. h) the first 1,000 of every claim. 10. falling radio and television aerials, fixed satellite dishes and their fittings and masts a) loss or damage to radio and television aerials, satellite dishes, their fittings and masts. 11. falling trees, telegraph poles or lamp-posts a) for loss or damage caused through lopping, topping and/or felling. b) for loss or damage to gates and fences. This section provides additional cover for: A) Accidental Damage of fixed glass and double- glazing (including the cost of replacing frames) solar panels, sanitary fixtures and ceramic hobs all forming part of the Buildings loss or damage whilst the Building is Unoccupied for 30 days or more. B) The cost of repairing Accidental Damage to domestic oil pipes, underground water-supply pipes, sewers, drains, underground gas pipes, underground electricity and telephone cables for which You are legally responsible loss or damage due to wear and tear or gradual deterioration. C) Loss of rent which You are unable to recover and additional costs of alternative accommodation necessarily incurred by You in consequence of the Buildings becoming uninhabitable following damage caused by any of the perils covered provided that the insurers liability is limited to the period the Buildings are uninhabitable, and evidence is provided from an existing rental agreement or previous proven rental pattern any amount in excess of 20% of the sum insured on the Buildings damaged or destroyed. 6
D) Expenses incurred following damage to the Buildings by any of the perils covered in connection with the removal of debris; any extra cost of reinstatement of the destroyed or damaged Buildings made necessary to comply with Government or Local Authority requirements and Architects and Surveyors fees necessarily incurred in the reinstatement of the Buildings a) any expenses incurred in the preparation of a claim or an estimate of loss. b) any expense when notice of Government or Local Authority requirements have been served prior to the time of loss. E) Increased metered water charges incurred by You resulting from an escape of water which gives rise to an admitted claim under Peril 4 of this section Any amount in excess of 750 in any period of insurance. F) A contracting purchaser until completion of the sale or expiry of this Insurance whichever is the sooner The Buildings if otherwise insured. Conditions that apply to Section 1 Basis of Claims Settlement In the event of loss or damage to the Buildings, the insurers will pay the full cost of repair at the time of such loss or damage provided that the Buildings are maintained in a good state of repair, that they are insured for the full cost of reconstruction in their present form; and that reinstatement shall have been effected. If the Buildings are not in good state of repair insurers will make a deduction for wear and tear or gradual deterioration. Insurers will not pay for the cost of replacing or repairing any undamaged part(s) of the Building which forms part of a pair, set, suite or part of a common design or function when the damage is restricted to a clearly identifiable area or to a specific part. Reinstatement The sum insured under this Section shall NOT be reduced following the payment of a claim provided that You agree to carry out insurers recommendations to prevent further loss of damage. Limit of Insurance The liability of insurers for any loss of damage shall not exceed the sum(s) insured for each Premises separately stated in the schedule. Underinsurance The liability of insurers shall not exceed such proportion of any loss or damage as the sum(s) insured bears to the full cost of reconstruction in its present form for each premises separately stated in the schedule. 7
Section 2 Landlord s Contents Perils Covered This insurance covers Contents for loss or damage directly caused by: 1. fire, lightning, explosion or earthquake 2. aircraft and other flying devices or items dropped there from 3. storm, tempest or flood a) property in the open. b) for loss or damage caused by subsidence, heave or landslip other than as covered under Peril 9. c) caused by rising water table levels. 4. escape of water from and frost damage to fixed water tanks, apparatus or pipes other than a) for loss or damage caused by subsidence, heave or landslip other than as covered under Peril 9. b) for loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more. c) the first 250 of every claim. 5. escape of oil from domestic fixed oil-fired heating installation and smoke damage resulting from a defect in any fixed domestic heating installation a) for loss or damage due to wear and tear or gradually deterioration. b) loss or damage cause by gradual emission. c) for loss or damage caused by faulty workmanship. d) for loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more. e) any amount in excess of 1,000. 6. theft or attempted theft a) for loss or damage whilst the Buildings are lent, let or sublet UNLESS such loss or damage is consequent upon violent and forcible entry. b) by any tenant or person lawfully on the premises. c) for loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more. d) any amount in excess of 500 or 3% of the sum insured under Section 2, whichever is the greater, in respect of contents within detached domestic outbuildings and garages or in the open. 7. impact by any vehicle or animal 8. any person taking part in a riot, violent disorder, strike, labour disturbance, civil commotion or any person of malicious intent a) for loss or damage whilst the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more. b) any tenant or person lawfully on the premises. 8
9. subsidence, landslip or heave of the site upon which the Building stands a) loss or damage for which compensation has been provided or would have been but for the existence of this Insurance, under any contract or legislation or guarantee. b) for loss or damage whilst the Buildings are undergoing any structural repairs, alterations or extensions. c) for loss or damage due to coastal erosion. d) for loss or damage arising from faulty workmanship, defective plans or the use of defective materials. e) for loss or damage to solid floors unless the walls are damaged at the same time by the same event. f) the first 1,000 of every claim. 10. falling trees, telegraph poles or lamp-posts for loss or damage caused through lopping, topping and/or felling. This section provides additional cover for: Costs of alternative accommodation necessarily incurred by You, if the Buildings are rendered uninhabitable by any of the perils covered Any amount in excess of 10% of the sum insured on the contents of the Buildings damaged or destroyed. Exclusions applicable to Section 2 Loss or damage involving: a) motor vehicles (other than domestic gardening implements), caravans, trailers or watercraft and accessories attached thereto. b) animals. c) any part of the Buildings. d) any property specifically insured against the perils covered hereby under any other insurance. e) wearing apparel. f) pedal cycles. Conditions that apply to Section 2 Basis of claims settlement In the event of the total loss or destruction by any of the insured perils of any article, the basis of settlement shall be the cost of replacing the article new, provided that the article is substantially the same as, but not better than the original article when new and that You incur the cost of replacement. Insurers will not pay for the cost of replacing or repairing any undamaged part(s) of the Contents which form(s) part of a pair, set, suite or part of a common design or function when the damage is restricted to a clearly definable area or to a specific part. The insurers shall be entitled at their sole option to repair, replace or pay for any article lost or damaged, whether wholly or in part. 9
Reinstatement The sum insured under this section shall NOT be reduced following the payment of a claim provided that You agree to carry out the insurers recommendations. Limit of Insurance The liability of insurers for any loss or damage shall not exceed the sum(s) insured for the Contents of each premises separately stated in the schedule. Underinsurance The liability of insurers shall not exceed such proportion of any loss or damage as the sum(s) insured bears to the total value for the Contents of each Premises separately stated in the schedule. 10
Section 3 Legal Liability to the Public Limit of Indemnity - 2,000,000 The limit of liability under this section shall not exceed 2,000,000 for any one loss or series of losses arising out of one event plus the costs and expenses incurred by You with insurers written consent in the defence of any such claim. Item A of this Section indemnifies You for bodily injury by accident, death or disease or damage to property happening during the period specified in the schedule for which legal liability may to You as owner of the Buildings in respect of accidents happening in or about the Premises specified in the schedule. 1. for bodily injury by accident or death or disease to any person who at the time of sustaining such injury, is engaged in Your service, or to any member of Your family of household. 2. arising directly or indirectly out of the transmission of any communicable disease or condition by any person insured hereunder. 3. for damage to property belonging to or in the care, custody or control of Your family or household or a person in their service. 4. arising out of or incidental to any profession, occupation or business other than through private letting of the property which has been assumed under contract and would not otherwise have attached, other than through private letting of the property. 5. arising out of ownership, possession or operation of: a) any mechanically propelled or horse drawn vehicle OTHER THAN a domestic gardening implement operated within Your Premises and pedestrian controlled gardening implements operated elsewhere. b) any power-operated lift. c) any aircraft or watercraft other than manually operated rowing boats, punts or canoes. d) any animal OTHER THAN cats, horses, or dogs which are not designated as dangerous under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. 6. arising out of ownership, occupation, possession of use of any land or Building NOT situated within the Buildings specified in the Schedule. 7. arising out of the pollution and/or contamination of air, water or soil unless it can be demonstrably proved to have been caused by immediate discharge consequent upon an accident. 8. if You are entitled to indemnity under any other insurance including but not until such insurance(s) is exhausted. Item B of this Section includes legal liability which may attach to You by virtue of Section 3 of the Defective Premises Act 1972 or Article 5 of the Defective Premises (Northern Ireland) Order 1975 in connection with any private dwelling which has been disposed of by You and which prior to such disposed of by You and which prior to such disposal, was occupied for private residential or private letting purposes by You. 1. where You are entitled to indemnity under any other insurance. 2. for the cost of remedying any defect or alleged defect which, if not remedied, may cause an accident resulting in injury or damage as aforesaid. The cover provided by this Section is subject to the General Conditions, Exclusions and Claims Conditions of this Insurance. 11
12 General condition applicable to the whole of this insurance You must comply with the following conditions to have the full protection of Your policy. If You do not comply with them We may at Our option cancel the policy or refuse to deal with Your claim or reduce the amount of any claim payment. Your Duty You shall take all reasonable steps to prevent loss, damage or accident and maintain the Buildings in a good state of repair. All protections provided for the safety of the Building specified in the schedule must be maintained in good order and be in use at all times when the Building is left unattended or when the occupants have retired for the night. Changes in Your circumstances You must tell Us as soon as possible about any changes that may affect Your policy cover. If We are not advised of any changes to Your circumstances, then Your policy may be cancelled, or Your claim rejected or not fully paid. The changes that You should tell Us about are: If You change Your correspondence address If You change Your insured address; If You change Your name; If there is a change in the type of tenant; If the property is no longer let; If the property is to be left Unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days; If the property becomes permanently Unoccupied (i.e. not lived in, or intended to be lived in or insufficiently furnished for normal occupation); If You are convicted of a criminal offence (other than motoring offences); If You become bankrupt; If the full rebuilding cost of Your property changes (if You have Buildings Insurance with Us); If the Contents sum insured changes (if You have Contents Insurance with Us); If there are any renovations or building works being carried out, or due to commence, at Your property; If the property is not in a good state of repair; If there is any flooding to the property, or within 100m of the property; If the property is showing signs of potential subsidence, landslip or heave damage, i.e. cracking; If any other houses in the same street have been affected by subsidence, landslip or heave; If You have made a claim under any other home or landlords policy that is not provided by Us; If You have any other insurance policy refused, declined, cancelled or voided. When You tell Us about a change, We will reassess the premium and the terms of Your policy. You will be informed of any revised premium or terms and asked to agree before any change is made. In some circumstances We may not be able to continue Your policy following the changes. If this is the case, You will be notified and the policy will be cancelled in line with the cancellation rights detailed in Cancelling Your cover Cancellation outside the statutory period.
More than one private dwelling It is understood and agreed that each private dwelling, insured hereunder, is deemed to be covered as though separately insured. Cancelling Your cover Statutory cancellation rights You may cancel this policy within 14 days of receipt of the policy documents (new business) or the renewal date (the cancellation period) by returning it to Your broker during the cancellation period. There is no refund of premium in the event of a total loss claim. However, in all other cases We will retain an amount of premium in proportion to the time You have been on cover and refund the balance to You. In the event of a total loss, if You are paying by installments, You will either have to continue with the installment payments until the policy renewal date or We may at Our discretion, deduct the outstanding installments due from any claim payment made. Cancellation outside the statutory period You may cancel this policy at any time by providing prior written notice to Your broker. Providing You have not incurred eligible claims during the period We have been on cover We will retain an amount of premium in proportion to the time You have been on cover and refund the balance to You. If You are paying by instalments Your instalment payments will cease and if You incur eligible claims You will either have to continue with the instalment payments until the policy renewal date or We may, at Our discretion, deduct the outstanding instalments due from any claim payment made. the Fraud or False Claims Condition, We reserve the right to cancel the policy by providing 21 days prior written notice by registered post to Your last known address. Any premium refund will be calculated in accordance with the above. Non payment of premiums We reserve the right to cancel this policy immediately on written notice in the event of non payment of the premium or default if You are paying by installments. 13
14 General exclusions applicable to the whole of this insurance In respect of all sections OTHER THAN Section 3 this insurance dose NOT COVER: a) Radioactive Contamination and Nuclear Assemblies Exclusion. 1. loss or destruction of or damage to any property whatsoever resulting or arising therefrom or any indirect loss; 2. any legal liability of whatever nature, directly or indirectly caused by or contributed to by or arising from: i) ionising radiations or contamination by radioactivity from any nuclear fuel or from any nuclear waste from the combustion of nuclear fuel. ii) the radioactive toxic, explosive or other hazardous properties of any explosive nuclear assembly or nuclear component thereof. b) War Exclusion - Any loss or damage or liability directly or indirectly occasioned by, happening through or in consequence of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether war be declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military or usurped power, or confiscation or nationalisation or requisition or destruction of or damage to property by or under the order of any government or public or local authority. c) any loss or damage caused intentionally by the tenant residing in the Building or other people lawfully on the premises. d) any loss or damage resulting from confiscation or detention by customs or other officials and authorities. e) loss or damage from pressure waves caused by aircraft or other aerial devices travelling at sonic or supersonic speeds. f) any indirect loss. g) any reduction in market value of the Buildings as a result of repair or reinstatement h) wear and tear, rusting or corrosion; wet or dry rot or fungus or any gradually operating cause. 3. It is hereby noted and agreed that We will not pay for any loss or damage caused as a result of the property being used for illegal activities. 4. Terrorism a) in respect of England, Wales and Scotland but not the territorial seas adjacent thereto as defined in the Territorial Sea Act 1987: loss or destruction or damage or consequential loss of whatsoever nature, directly or indirectly caused by, resulting from or in connection with i) any Act of Terrorism, regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to such Act of Terrorism ii) any action taken in controlling, preventing or suppressing any Act of Terrorism, or in any other way related to such Act of Terrorism In respect of a) above an Act of Terrorism (Terrorism) means:- Acts of persons acting on behalf of, or in connection with, any organisation which carries out activities directed towards the overthrowing or influencing, by force or violence, of Her Majesty s government in the United Kingdom or any other government de jure or de facto
b) in respect of territories other than those stated in a. above loss or destruction or damage or any consequential loss of whatsoever nature, directly or indirectly caused by, resulting from or in connection with i) any act of Terrorism, regardless of any other cause or event contributing concurrently or in any other sequence to such act of Terrorism ii) any action taken in controlling, preventing or suppressing any act of Terrorism, or in any way related to such act of Terrorism Claims conditions applicable to the whole of this insurance Other insurance There shall be no liability under this Insurance in respect of any claim where You are entitled to indemnity under any other insurance EXCEPT in respect of any Excess beyond the amount which would have been covered under such other insurance had this insurance not been effected. Procedure It is a precedent to the liability of insurers that following any happening likely to give rise to a claim You shall: a) as soon as reasonably possible and in no circumstances beyond 30 days of the incident, notify insurers with full details, complete a claim form and provide all required information and assistance. b) for all claims in respect of damage or loss obtain a minimum of two detailed estimates unless otherwise agree, only undertake emergency work to prevent further loss and not under any circumstances effect full repairs without insurers prior consent. c) notify the Police immediately upon discovery of loss or damage by theft, attempted theft, malicious damage, violent disorder, riots or civil commotion or the disappearance of valuable items and obtain the Crime Reference Number. d) under no circumstances admit liability for, nor offer to agree to settle any claim without the written consent of insurers who shall be entitled to take over and conduct in Your name the defence of any claim and to prosecute in Your name for insurers benefit, any claim for indemnity or damages or otherwise against any third party and shall have full discretion in the conduct or any negotiations and proceedings and settlement of any claim. e) You must take all reasonable steps to recover missing property. f) You must take all reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Fraudulent or false claims If You or anyone acting on Your behalf: (a) makes any false or fraudulent claim, (b) makes any exaggerated claim, (c) supports a claim by false or fraudulent documents, devices or statements (whether or not the claim is itself genuine), (d) makes a claim for loss or damage which You or anyone acting on Your behalf deliberately caused, We will: (i) refuse to pay the whole of the claim; and (ii) recover from You any sums that We have already paid in respect of the claim. We will also notify You if We will be treating the policy as having terminated with effect from the date of the earliest of any acts set out in (a) (d) above. In that event, You will: - have no cover under the policy from the date of the termination; and - not be entitled to any refund of premium 15
Endorsements The following endorsements only apply if they are specified on Your schedule. Where applicable, the endorsement must be complied with fully as failure to do so will invalidate any future claims. 1. Alarm Endorsement This insurance excludes theft or attempted theft claims under Sections 1 and 2 unless: a) the burglar alarm is in full and effective operation: i) whenever the Building specified in the schedule is left unattended, ii) at night b) the burglar alarm system has been maintained in good order under a maintenance contract with a company which is a member of NACOSS (National Approved Council of Security Systems). 2. Climatic Conditions Endorsement - Not in use in this policy. 3. Theft Limitation Endorsement This insurance excludes claims under Section 1 and 2 resulting from theft or attempted theft unless following violent and forcible entry. 4. Non-Standard Construction Endorsement In consideration of the additional premium paid it is agreed that the term standard construction as defined in Sections 1 and 2 does not apply to the Building specified in the schedule. 5. Subsidence, Landslip or Heave Exclusion Endorsement This insurance excludes claims under Section 1 and 2 resulting from subsidence, landslip or heave. 6. Flood Exclusion Endorsement This insurance excludes claims under Section 1 and 2 resulting from: a) the escape of water from the normal confines of any natural or artificial watercourse, lake, reservoir, canal, dam; b) inundation from the sea; or c) flood resulting from storm or any other peril other than escape of water from fixed water tanks, apparatus or pipes. 7. Contractors Exclusion Endorsement This insurance excludes any claims arising out of the activities of contractors. 8. Index-Linking Endorsement The sums insured in Section 1 and 2 will be adjusted each month in accordance with the following indices: Section 1 (Buildings): The House Rebuilding Costs Index issued by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Section 2 (Contents): The Consumer Durable section of the General Index of Retail Prices or its equivalent. No additional premium will be charged for each monthly increase but at each renewal the premium will be calculated on the revised sums insured. 9. Thatch Endorsement This insurance excludes claims under Section 1 and 2 unless the following warranties are fully complied with and evidence of compliance is retained for Our inspection on request: 16
a) Chimney Warranty - All chimneys to solid fuel stoves, boilers and open fires must be kept in a good state of repair and professionally cleaned once a year prior to winter use. b) Thatchburn Warranty - If old thatch is burnt this must be more than 100 metres from the Building. c) Naked Flame Warranty - No naked flame or tools producing naked flames are to be present in the attic or loft space of the Building at any time. 10. Mortgagees Interest Endorsement The interest of the Mortgage Provider noted on the schedule will not be prejudiced by any act of neglect by You or the occupier of the insured Building whereby the danger of loss or damage is increased without the authority of knowledge of the Mortgage Provider so long as the Mortgage Provider notifies Us and pays an additional premium if required once aware of any such act of neglect 11. Protections Endorsement All protections provided for the safety of the Building specified in the schedule must be maintained in good order and be in use at all times when under Your control and the Building is left unattended or when the occupants have retired for the night. Such protection shall not be withdrawn or varied without Our consent. If You fail to comply with this endorsement, We may cancel the insurance or refuse to deal with any claim for theft and/or malicious damage. 12. 250 Excess Endorsement An Excess of 250 will be deducted from all claims under Section 1 and 2. 13. 500 Excess Endorsement An Excess of 500 will be deducted from all claims under Section 1 and 2. 14. Restricted Perils Endorsement The Buildings and Landlord s Contents specified in the schedule are covered against loss or damage directly caused by the perils of Fire, Lightning, Explosion and Earthquake only. 15. Unoccupancy Endorsement This policy excludes claims under Sections 1 and 2 if the Building specified in the schedule is left Unoccupied for 14 days or more unless: a) the Building is inspected at least once every 14 days by You or Your representative and a detailed record retained for Our inspection on request showing dates visited, who attended and observations made. b) the gas and water supplies are turned off and the water system drained. c) the electricity supply is turned off unless required to maintain a security system. d) all letter boxes and other openings are sealed securely if the unoccupancy is for a period of 30 days or more. e) external door locks of a reasonable standard for the protection of the Building are fitted and in use at all times 16. 100 Excess Endorsement An Excess of 100 will be deducted from all claims under Section 1 and 2. 17. 50 Excess Endorsement An Excess of 50 will be deducted from all claims under Section 1 and 2. 17
18. Date Change Endorsement We will not pay for any equipment, integrated circuit, computer chip, computer software and any other computer related equipment that fails to recognise any date change. 19. Malicious Damage Endorsement This insurance excludes Malicious Damage cover to the Building specified in the schedule where such damage is caused by tenants or other people lawfully on the premises. 20. Monthly Payment Endorsement It is understood and agreed that this insurance runs from month to month and that continuation of cover is dependant upon You paying the premium for each month s cover. We will normally only review Your premiums once per annum. 21. Legal Fees Endorsement This insurance includes Legal Protection Cover in accordance with the enclosed document. 22. Flat Roof Endorsement The flat roof of the Building specified in the schedule must have been inspected, repaired, renovated or replaced no more than two years prior to inception of this Insurance and records of this inspection and repair must be made available to Us on request. Future inspection, repair, renovation and replacement where necessary will take place at least once every five years and records of inspection and repair retained for Our inspection on request. If You fail to comply with this endorsement We may refuse to deal with any claim as a result of storm damage to the flat roof or any claim arising as a result of water leaking through the flat roof. 23. Minimum Security Endorsement This insurance excludes claims for theft under Sections 1 and 2 unless the following are fitted and are used for the protection of the Building specified in the schedule when the property is left unattended of when occupants retire for the night: a) external doors: 5 Lever Mortice Deadlocks (conforming to British Standard 3621). b) patio doors: in addition to central locking devices, key operating bolts to top and bottom opening sections. c) windows: key operated security locks to all ground floor and other accessible windows. 24. UK Holiday Home Endorsement The maximum period the Buildings may be Unoccupied for restricted perils to be applied under Sections 1 and 2 is increased from 30 days to 90 days at any one time. This policy excludes claims under Sections 1 and 2 if the Buildings are Unoccupied for 30 days or more unless: a) the Building is inspected at least once every 30 days by You or Your representative and a detailed written record retained for Our inspection on request, showing dates visited, who attended and observations made. b) the gas and water supplies are turned off and the water system drained OR the central heating set for a continual minimum temperature of 13 C during the period 1st November to 1st April. c) the electricity supply is turned off unless required for central heating as in b) above, or to maintain a security system. 18
Complaints Our objective is to provide a high standard of service to You at all times. However, We recognise that things can sometimes go wrong. When this occurs, We are committed to resolving matters promptly and fairly. What happens if You complain (a) If We are unable to deal with Your complaint immediately, We will write to You within 5 working days of receipt and inform You who is dealing with the complaint and when You can next expect a response. (b) We aim to conclude Our investigations promptly. However, in some circumstances, Our investigations may take some time, and We will keep You fully informed. This means that We will write to You as soon as We have concluded Our investigation or, if We have not been able to inform You of Our decision within 4 weeks of receipt, We will write to You to let You know. If We are not able to reach a decision within 8 weeks, We will write to You again, either; concluding Our investigation, or; advising You of when We expect to be able to conclude Our investigation, or; advising You of Your right to take Your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman (c) When We conclude Your complaint We will write to You, giving You Our Final Response. This will tell You if We have upheld or rejected Your complaint (in whole or in part), and if appropriate We will make an offer of redress. What You should do if You would like to complain If You are disappointed with any aspect of the handling of Your insurance, please contact; The Complaints Officer, Towergate Underwriting Let Property, The Octagon, Middleborough, Colchester, Essex. CO1 1TG. Tel: 01206 773540 Email: tulpenqueries@towergate.co.uk (marked complaint ) Please ensure Your policy number is quoted in all correspondence to assist a quick and efficient response. If Your complaint requires investigation by another party, We will pass details onto them to deal with in accordance with their complaints procedure. In this event, We will provide You with details of who We have passed Your complaint to. Refer Your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service If, after making a complaint to Towergate Underwriting Let Property, You feel that the matter has not been resolved to Your satisfaction (or if Your complaint remains unresolved after 8 weeks of initially telling Us) You may be able to refer Your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service, or FOS, at: Financial Ombudsman Service, Exchange Tower, London E14 9SR Tel: 0800 023 4567 (free from landlines) and 0300 123 9123 (free from most mobiles). Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk 19
The FOS is an independent body that arbitrates on complaints after We have provided You with written confirmation that Our internal complaints procedure has been exhausted if You are: a consumer i.e. an individual buying insurance in a private capacity or; a micro enterprise, (i.e. an enterprise which employs fewer than 10 persons and has a turnover or annual balance sheet that does not exceed 2 million. In this definition, enterprise means any person engaged in an economic activity, irrespective of legal form and includes, in particular, selfemployed persons and family businesses engaged in craft or other activities, and partnerships or associations regularly engaged in an economic activity) or; a charity with an annual income of less than 1m, or; the trustee of a trust with a net assets value of less than 1m. Please note that You have 6 months from the date of Our final response in which to refer Your complaint to the FOS. Referral to the FOS will not affect Your right to take legal action against Us. The FOS can only consider Your complaint if You have already given Us the opportunity to resolve it. Compensation Financial Services Compensation Scheme Towergate Underwriting Let Property and the insurers of this policy are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). If We are unable to meet Our obligations, You may be entitled to compensation from the scheme, depending on the type of insurance and the circumstances of the claim. Further information is available from the FSCS at www.fscs.org.uk. 20
Towergate Underwriting Let Property The Octagon, Middleborough, Colchester, Essex. CO1 1TG T. 01206 773540 E: tulpenqueries@towergate.co.uk www.towergate.co.uk Registered Office: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN Registered in England No. 4043759 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 6804/157/PW/08.16/S&W